Ahmedabad: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Gopal Italia has strongly raised concerns over the installation of transmission towers on farmers’ land in Gujarat, alleging that private companies are using outdated laws and police support to push projects without ensuring fair compensation for affected landowners.
Speaking on the issue, Gopal Italia said he has repeatedly raised the matter in the Gujarat Assembly and has even introduced a bill seeking legal reforms to protect farmers’ rights. According to him, the current system relies on a law enacted in 1885 during British rule, which is no longer suitable for present-day realities.
Gopal Italia Questions Use of Colonial-Era Law
Addressing the issue, Gopal argued that the government continues to use a 140-year-old law to facilitate tower installations on agricultural land. He said that while technology and society have changed significantly, the legal framework governing such projects has not been updated.
According to Gopal Italia, farmers are often left with limited options when transmission towers are installed on their land, resulting in long-term financial and agricultural losses.
Demand for Fair Compensation
One of the key demands raised by Gopal is the introduction of a new and just compensation mechanism. He argued that transmission towers reduce the market value of agricultural land and can restrict future development opportunities.
The AAP MLA stated that private companies continue to earn profits from electricity transmission for decades, while farmers receive only a one-time payment. Gopal Italia believes that compensation should reflect the long-term impact on landowners and their families.
Concerns Over Police Presence During Installations
Gopal Italia also questioned the use of police personnel during tower installation projects. He alleged that private companies bring police support to project sites, creating pressure on farmers.
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He urged farmers not to be intimidated and emphasized that these projects are being carried out for private commercial purposes. Gopal Italia said that the government should focus on protecting citizens’ rights rather than facilitating corporate interests.
Proposal for Modern Legal Reforms
To address these concerns, Gopal has proposed a new law that would provide stronger legal safeguards for farmers. He suggested that either affected land should be acquired at market value or farmers should receive ongoing benefits linked to the revenue generated through the infrastructure.
He also advocated for planned transmission corridors across Gujarat to reduce disputes and minimize the impact on agricultural land.
Call for Farmers’ Rights Protection
Concluding his remarks, Gopal called on lawmakers, farmers, and citizens to support reforms that ensure fair treatment and adequate compensation for landowners affected by infrastructure projects.
He maintained that development and infrastructure expansion should not come at the cost of farmers’ rights and livelihoods. According to Gopal Italia, Gujarat needs a modern compensation framework that balances economic growth with justice for the state’s farming community.